The analysis of the prosecutorial inquiry in Italian criminal proceedings displays a complex scenario. In spite of the progressiveenhancement of participatory rights of private parties, the overwhel-ming role of the investigative authorities does not set the necessary conditions for effective equality of arms, while largely frustrating the tasks of the judiciary. To a great extent, the maintenance of several decision-making and coercive powers of the public prosecutor still largely reflect the old conception of an independent body of justice.Even though the individuals involved in the prosecutorial inquiry areensured participation in a number of police and prosecutorial investiga-tions, legal assistance often lacks effectiveness, and the possibilities ofdefence lawyers conducting autonomous investigations are scant andonly achieve a formal level of par condicio. Certainly, this set-up cannotbe justified in a human rights-oriented model of criminal justice. Delege ferenda, the enhancement of the tasks of competent judge for thepre-trial inquiry, who under Italian law is not an investigative magistratebut is called upon to ensure the proper fulfilment of procedural safe-guards, appears to constitute today the best alternative to one-sided investigations and the dominant role of the investigative authorities.
